An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps, from its Original Institution down to the Present Era, 1803Gillespie, Alexander, Major
History
An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps, from its Original Institution down to the Present Era, 1803
Gillespie, Alexander, Major
Great Britain. Royal Marines -- History
The capture of La Seine, French frigate, on the 29th of June, drew
forth the encomiums of Captains Stirling and Milne, of the Jason
and Pique, upon the spirit of Lieutenants Symes and Macdonald. The
former of these amiable young men has now paid the debt of nature,
but he will long be remembered by his friends. Lieutenant Ross was
much distinguished in a very daring affair in the port of Corigiou,
upon the morning of the 4th of August. After having carried the
corvette Adventurier, a contrary wind sprung up, which exposed her,
nearly two hours, to the fire of all the batteries, working out in
a narrow passage which was at last effected. That Officer is also
now no more.
Notwithstanding all the boasts of invasion, still the French dared
not any thing upon a scale of consequence. A few frigates landed
General Humbert, who, with his followers, were made prisoners in
Ireland; but not without making a respectable opposition.
It was reserved for our naval bulwarks to render abortive another
attempt, and to give some creditable earnests of their Officers'
talents and courage. On the 12th of October, Le Hoche of 80, the
frigates Bellone, Coquille, and Ambuscade were taken by Sir John
Warren's squadron. The decisive spirit of that gallant and rising
character Captain Graham Moore, was fully shewn in the prompt
attack of La Resolue of 40 guns, and taking her before she could be
supported by her consort. They were both superior in force to the
Melampus. The conduct of Lieutenant Hole, and his party of Marines
was mentioned in gratifying terms.
On the 20th of October another action, alike brilliant, was fought
between the Fishguard, Captain Martin, and L'Immortalité, which,
after a spirited contest of more than two hours, ended in the
Frenchman's surrender.
Lieutenant Gerrard, of Marines, was wounded upon that occasion.
So uniformly respectable, was the course of that Officer's life,
and so creditable his services, that it may not be amiss to state
here, a very honorable testimony subsequently bestowed upon him,
from the Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Fishguard. The gift
of a sabre and belt was accompanied to him, with the following
very flattering eulogium: "This sabre and belt are presented to
1st Lieut. Gerrard, of Marines, by those who served with him on
board his Majesty's ship Fishguard, in memory of the action with
L'Immortalité, the 20th October, 1798, the boarding expeditions
at the Saintes, Penmarks, Quimper, Noirmoutier, St. Matthew, St.
Andero, and Corrunna; on which he served as a volunteer, and bore
so distinguished a part." He has recently been appointed to an
Adjutancy at Plymouth vacated by the promotion of Captain Perceval.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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